Pilot drives from N.C. to say goodbye to former President George H.W. Bush

A Navy pilot said he had to come to pay his last respects, even if that meant standing in the cold for several hours.

Author:
Stephanie Ramirez

Published:
6:01 PM EST December 5, 2018

Updated:
3:51 PM EST December 6, 2018

WASHINGTON -- "I'm just glad to be apart of this, really," said Lt. Jordon Loy.

Loy stood out to WUSA9 because he was standing along Wisconsin Ave NW in a pilot bomber jacket. He was freezing, but determined to honor the late President by standing outside of the National Cathedral on this National Day of Mourning.

Loy said he always wanted to meet George H.W. Bush.

“He’s just an overall great example at our college. We, me and my buddy Levi here, we went to Texas A&M and he was always at every game," said the Texas-native.

The two also share the Navy tradition. Lt. Loy said he’s been flying for about three years now.

Now stationed in North Carolina, the pilot said he made the trip up to D.C. after learning of the city's plans to honor former President George H.W. Bush.

Found a pilot waiting in his bomber jacket outside of the National Cathedral. Lt. Jordan Loy told me he always wanted to meet former President George H.W. Bush. Drove up from NC to meet Bush’s casket in DC. Says #Bush41 inspired him to be a better man, pilot & husband. @wusa9pic.twitter.com/kL1HEbwYR9

On Wednesday, he decided to meet the president's casket. He wanted to be there as Bush's hearse drove by, because he was inspired.

“To be a good husband," said Lt. Loy, "be a good – just be a good pilot – most importantly, to not stop once you’ve achieved at the level. Every time he’s being a pilot, war – making it through that – he could’ve stopped at Vice President. He kept going for the next level and to keep pushing, never limit yourself.”